As we move into February, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the dedication and leadership you bring to your campuses and communities. Across Plano ISD, PTAs continue to make a meaningful difference by supporting students, strengthening family engagement, and creating opportunities for every child to thrive. Your work matters, and I’m grateful for all you do.

One of the most special traditions of the Plano ISD Council of PTAs is our annual Honorary Life Member Reception, and I hope you will mark your calendar now.

The Life Member Receptionwill be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the beautiful Robinson Fine Arts Center. This evening allows us to recognize individuals whose service and leadership have made a lasting difference in Plano ISD. These honorees represent the very best of PTA and community involvement, and this event is our opportunity to celebrate them in a meaningful and memorable way.

February is a strong month for PTA, and it’s also a great time to stay focused on what matters most: building connection, maintaining momentum, and continuing to serve with purpose. Thank you for your commitment to Plano ISD families and for the leadership you bring to PTA every day.

I look forward to seeing many of you on February 4 as we honor those who have given so much to our schools.

With appreciation,

Jeri Duncan
President, Plano ISD Council of PTAs

The Plano ISD Council of PTAs is proud to announce the 2025-2026 Honorary Life Member Reception!

Save the Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Location: Robinson Fine Arts Center

This event honors our incredible PISD Honorary Life Members and Extended Service Award recipients. These exceptional volunteers have dedicated their time and energy to empowering families and advocating for all children.

Stay tuned for more details at PlanoPTA.org and on our social media channels. PTAs are encouraged to plan and budget for this special recognition event.

You’re invited! Join Plano ISD Council of PTAs for a Straight Talk 2026 Watch Party and Breakfast.

Straight Talk is one of Texas PTA’s signature advocacy events, giving families and community members the opportunity to learn about timely issues impacting children through a state-hosted, expert-led panel discussion.

This year’s topic is:
“Raising the AI Generation: From Homework Help to Unforeseen Risks: What Every Family Should Know.”

As a Council, we will stream the Texas PTA expert panel together and then shift into a local discussion focused on how AI is showing up in our students’ learning, experiences, and schools right here in Plano ISD.

This is an excellent opportunity to:

• Learn how artificial intelligence is already influencing learning and student experiences

• Hear balanced perspectives from experts across education, technology, health, and industry

• Participate in respectful, fact-based discussion with fellow parents, educators, and community members

Plano ISD Council of PTAs believes informed families are essential partners in education. Let’s learn together, ask smart questions, and strengthen how we support student success in today’s rapidly changing world.

Watch Party Details
Plano ISD Council of PTAs Breakfast + Watch Party
Straight Talk ’26: Raising the AI Generation

Tuesday, February 24
9:30–11:30 AM
Plano ISD Admin Building Boardroom
2700 W. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075

After the panel, we will hear from Plano ISD Executive Director of Instructional Technology Matt Frey and continue the conversation locally.

Everyone is welcome.

RSVP by Feb 18 at 11:59 PM
https://tinyurl.com/PlanoStraightTalk26

Want to make a real difference for PTA in Plano ISD, not just on one campus but across the entire district? Serving on the 2026–2027 Plano ISD Council of PTAs Board is one of the most meaningful ways to lead, serve, and strengthen PTA impact districtwide.

Council board members support Plano ISD PTAs by helping campuses grow membership, strengthen family engagement, recognize volunteers, and deliver programs that directly benefit students and schools. You’ll collaborate with dedicated PTA leaders across Plano, build leadership skills that extend beyond PTA, and help shape the future of PTA excellence in our district.

If PTA has made a difference in your family’s life, this is your chance to give back in a bigger way and be part of something that creates lasting impact.

Interested in serving in an elected position?
Please respond by February 13, 2026 by visiting:
https://tinyurl.com/PISD-Council-25-26-Interest

All other positions are open until February 27, 2026.

For a full description of duties and list of officers:
https://tinyurl.com/Council-Chair-Summary

Questions? Email: nomcom@planopta.org

This week, February 3–7, we’re celebrating the incredible school counselors across all Plano ISD schools who support our students every single day. From helping students navigate challenges to encouraging big dreams, our counselors are a steady source of guidance, care, and confidence.

On behalf of the Plano ISD Council of PTAs, thank you to every school counselor for leading with service, strengthening our school communities, and helping students grow into their best selves. Your work makes a lasting difference.

Let’s show our appreciation this week by sending a thank-you note, sharing a kind message, or giving a counselor a well-deserved shoutout.

📚 Plano ISD School Board Meeting 🗳️

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

⏰ Time: Starts at 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Plano ISD Administration Center, Board Room
🏢 Address: 2700 W. 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075

🌐 Website

📝 Description: Join us for the upcoming School Board Meeting to stay informed and engaged with our district's updates and decisions.

📅 Meetings are held regularly, and you can find the full schedule, along with live streaming options, at 🌐 pisd.edu/PISDLIVE.

👥 Stay connected and informed about the future of Plano ISD! 🎥

Ready for a job that helps keep our schools running strong?

Plano ISD is hiring! We’re opening our doors for an Open House Auxiliary Job Fair. If you’re looking for a stable career with purpose, growth opportunities, and a team that truly supports one another, this is for you.

We are actively hiring for essential roles in:
• Transportation
• Food & Nutritional Services
• Facility Services
• Technology

Wednesday, February 11
4:00–6:00 p.m.

Plano ISD Administration Building – Board Room
2700 West 15th Street, Plano, TX

Walk-ins welcome
Bring your résumé
Meet the team
Explore real opportunities

Join Team Plano ISD and be part of something bigger than a job. Every role matters. Every day counts.

Learn more: www.pisd.edu/jobfairs

Parents are invited to join Plano ISD and Plano Police Department for Behind the Screen, an important safety presentation designed to help families navigate today’s online world with confidence.

Event Details
Thursday, February 19
6:00 PM

As the Plano ISD Council of PTAs, we believe strong communities are built through service, leadership, and informed families. When we learn together, we better protect our children, strengthen our schools, and support one another.

Read more and get details: www.pisd.edu/behind-the-screen

Project SEARCH is a powerful program that helps students build real workplace skills, confidence, and independence through hands-on internships and job coaching. For students preparing for life after high school and seeking meaningful career experience, this program can be a true game-changer.

School Messenger is the district’s communication tool. The email address and phone numbers you provided on your student’s emergency form are used for school or district communication.

Graduation ceremonies for Plano Senior High School, Plano East Senior High School, Plano West Senior High School and Academy High School will be celebrated across four days from May 27-30, 2026.

Read more

Musical Minds Plano offers fun, high-quality afterschool piano programs that build confidence and academic skills. Serving Plano ISD for 10+ years across multiple campuses in the DFW metropolitan area. Hosted classes at 20+ schools and recreation centers! 

Musical Mind's mission is to teach students the fundamentals of piano, and nurture the beginning of a lifelong love of music. Using a unique visual method, and popular songs from the radio and film, your student will be reading and playing music in no time!

Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Local PTAs, please take a moment this week to review the Plano ISD Council of PTAs Scholarship Page to ensure your PTA’s scholarship link and contact information are accurate and up to date:

https://pisdcouncil.membershiptoolkit.com/scholarships

To help families access scholarship information quickly and reliably, we strongly recommend using one consistent scholarship webpage link year after year (for example, a dedicated page on your PTA website). Please avoid linking directly to a form or document that may change annually, since those links are more likely to expire, get moved, or become inaccessible, resulting in broken links and outdated information for students and families.

We also strongly recommend listing a PTA email address (such as scholarships@yourpta.org or info@yourpta.org) rather than a specific person’s individual email. This helps ensure scholarship communications remain consistent, even when PTA leadership roles change from year to year.

If your PTA needs a link or contact update on the Council webpage, please submit a change request by emailing:
Communications@PlanoPTA.org

Now is a great time to start planning for Teacher Appreciation Week. Early planning gives your PTA more time to coordinate volunteers, gather donations or sponsorships, and ensure thoughtful touches are covered, from meals and treats to small gifts and classroom support. Starting now also helps you spread out the work, avoid last-minute stress, and create a celebration that truly makes teachers and staff feel valued. 

Thank you for the reminder. PTA board members: please be aware of phishing emails that appear to come from an officer (often the President) asking you to join a Zoom call or take quick action. If anything feels “off,” pause and verify by calling or texting the officer directly using a known number.

Also, any request involving payments or gift cards should always be confirmed by voice, not email.

Stay alert and stay safe.

Share the love of PTA with 14 new members.
_____

All monthly membership awards are automatically calculated based on the Local PTA’s membership totals at each deadline.

• Track your PTA's progress (including Path to Good Standing) through the Local PTA Roster. 
• Members who join on joinpta.org are automatically added to the PTA's membership count and can be viewed in the free myPTEZ account.
• Digitally uploaded or mailed membership rosters and dues must be received by Texas PTA by the listed deadline.

Upcoming Awards

• Mar 31: Lucky Leprechaun
  What’s at the end of the PTA rainbow? 17 lucky new  members! 
• Apr 30: April Showers
  Don't get caught in the rain! Welcome 15 new members. 
• May 31: May Blossoms 
  Congratulations on your extraordinary growth! You've grown your garden with a phenomenal 101% increase or more by adding new members this month.

Voice for Every Child  Awards: Texas PTA’s most prestigious membership award for  Local PTAs that strive to have one voice for every child  on their campus. RECEIVED Deadline: May 31 

• Bronze: Recruit members equal to at least 25% of  campus student enrollment. 
• Silver: Recruit members equal to at least 50% of  campus student enrollment. 
• Gold: Recruit members equal to at least 75% of  campus student enrollment. 
• Platinum: Recruit members equal to at least 100%  of campus student enrollment.  

President’s Challenge: Build Community Through Engagement Strengthen your PTA by hosting a family engagement  event that brings families together and have a  membership increase by May 31, 2026. Create  meaningful connections that inspire families to join your  PTA community.

Special Category Membership Awards: Membership dues, roster, and notification form are due March 31. The Community Award is available in three tiers: Silver for recruiting 15 Community members, Gold for recruiting 25 Community members, and Platinum for recruiting 50 Community members. Awards are also available for Student, Generations, and MARS membership categories.

Full-Color Local PTA Membership Awards (English | Spanish)

The I Am Texas Writing and Art Contest invites students in grades 2–12 to share what Texas means to them through original writing and 2D artwork.

Hosted by The Bryan Museum and iWrite, this annual contest encourages students to explore Texas history, culture, and identity while competing for publication opportunities, cash prizes, and the chance to be featured at the Museum.

Entries are due April 30, 2026. Contest details and teacher resources.

Publishing is a powerful incentive for learning and is a unique way to validate that a child’s voice should be heard.  Each year, young writers in the 3rd-12th grade all across the globe have the chance to be published authors. This first taste of success can last a lifetime! The iWRITE Non-Profit Organization offers students the opportunity to submit their writing and artwork to our annual publishing contest.

Deadline to submit is May 31, 2026.

Local PTAs are encouraged to take advantage of the Texas PTA Connect programs available to run on campus at no cost.

To strengthen program quality even further, PTAs are also encouraged to review the Facilitator’s Guide. This resource provides practical guidance on planning and delivering exceptional programs, including how to incorporate icebreakers, structure the agenda, and keep participants engaged throughout the event.

After reviewing the guide, PTAs are invited to share feedback and takeaways.

Mark your calendars now —next year’s LAUNCH will be July 10–12, 2026 at the Gaylord! You won’t want to miss it! 

National PTA is here to support your family engagement efforts—from fostering productive digital safety and mental health conversations between caregivers and students to providing essential hunger relief and advocacy to support local PTA communities. In celebration of Safer Internet Day (February 10), we invite you to check out our suite of resources to help you foster responsible, respectful and creative technology use. Reach out to us at FamilyEngagement@PTA.org if you have any questions or feedback. 

PTA Connected provides turn-key education and programming for PTA leaders to use locally to address digital safety, citizenship, well-being, readiness and access within school communities, homes and families.

• The Smart Talk – Using a series of guided questions, this online tool allows kids ages 5-18 to actively participate in setting limits around device use and digital safety.
• Be Internet Awesome Family Guide – Organizes digital citizenship into five areas to make it an easy family conversation.
• Five Tips to Help Your Teen Navigate Their Online Experiences – Explains what support teens really value from trusted adults as they navigate their online experience.
• Tips for Building Belonging in the Digital Space – Outlines how to create a welcoming and accepting online environment for everyone.

Prom Closet: St. Andrew provides a free, boutique style prom shopping experience for more than 1,300 students each year Students can find prom dresses, shoes, and accessories at no cost.

Registration opens January 26

Appointments required

St. Andrew Methodist Church, Plano

Shopping dates

• February 24–28

• March 2–5 and March 7

Donations of new or gently used formalwear are accepted year round

St. Andrew Prom Closet

Full story at https://localprofile.com

The Plano ISD Council of PTAs celebrates efforts that support students and help make milestone moments like prom accessible to all.

Raise Your Hand Texas is hosting an interactive workshop where you could be in the driver's seat designing a "brand new middle school" and you get to see the results of your handiwork when the A-F rating for your "new campus" is revealed.

Join them for this first of it's kind experience: https://advocacy.raiseyourhandtexas.org/advocacy_event_20260205

February 05, 2026 at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

First United Methodist Church Denton
201 S Locust St
Denton, TX 76201
Google map and directions

Contact Kelley Thomas, kthomas@ryht.org, for more information.

Take advantage of Plano’s convenient drive-through Saturday Community Recycling Events.

Electronics recycling is available on the first, second, and third Saturday of each month.

Secure, on-site paper shredding is offered on the second and third Saturday of each month. This is a great option for disposing of sensitive documents safely.

Donations of gently used items are accepted on the third Saturday of each month, including clothes, shoes, purses and wallets, belts, hats and caps, backpacks, hard toys, soft toys, and stuffed animals.

Locations and event details:
https://www.plano.gov/1002/Community-Recycling-Events

Discover tips and tricks with Membership Toolkit’s helpful videos on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user32182435

It’s that time of year again, SKI Plano (Supporting Kids In Plano) is right around the corner!

February 7 l 6:30 - 11:30 p.m. l Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel

We’re thrilled to invite your participation once again in support of the Plano ISD Education Foundation’s largest fundraising event, benefiting teachers and students right here in your campus community. As we celebrate 30 years of SKI Plano, our goal is to make an even greater impact across the district and we can’t do it without YOU!

As the needs of our district continue to grow, your involvement is more important than ever. There are many ways to get involved, from spreading the word of our upcoming fundraising events to donating a themed basket to SKI Plano. Every dollar raised directly supports programs that empower Plano ISD students and educators in meaningful ways.

Planning ahead for school appreciation days helps PTAs show meaningful support for our dedicated school staff and educators. By marking these dates on your calendar now, your PTA can organize thoughtful recognition events and ensure every member of your school community feels valued throughout the year. 

FEBRUARY 2026 ❤️🚌 2/1-28 Celebrate your bus drivers! 🚸 2/6 School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day  👮‍♂️ 2/15 School Resource Officer Appreciation Day 💭 2/2-6 School Counselor Appreciation Week 👮‍♂️ 2/15 School Resource Officer Appreciation Day 🚌 2/22 School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

MARCH 2026 🤝 3/2-6 National School Social Worker Week 

APRIL 2026 👥 4/1 Paraprofessional Appreciation Day 📚 4/4 School Librarian Appreciation Day 👔 4/6-10 National Assistant Principals Week 🌟 4/20-24 National Public School Volunteer Appreciation Week 💼 4/22 Administrative Professionals Day 🚌 4/28 School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

MAY 2026 👔 5/1 School Principal's Day 🍎 5/1 School Lunch Hero Day 📚 5/4-8 Teacher Appreciation Week ⚕️ 5/6 School Nurse Day 🗣️ 5/18 Speech Pathologist Day

Subscribe: If you would like to subscribe to any of these calendars, please visit the Subscription page to find out how.

Questions: If you have questions or need help, please contact Communications@PlanoPTA.org.